Djuric: By raiding “Ibar Waterworks” while Kosta is in the region, Kurti defies the EU

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric condemned the raid by members of the Kosovo Police and waterworks employees from South Mitrovica into the offices of the Public Utility Company “Ibar Waterworks” in North Mitrovica, stating that it continues the practice of violently altering the situation on the ground and delivers yet another blow to efforts aimed at reviving productive dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.

Minister Djuric emphasized that this unilateral and provocative act, undoubtedly carried out with the knowledge and approval of Albin Kurti, could have potentially dangerous consequences for the stability of water supply to the Serbian population in North Mitrovica.

He particularly stressed concern over the threat to water supply for the hospital operating in the city under the Serbian healthcare system, as well as for schools and kindergartens.

“This is yet another brazen attack on the basic human rights of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, aimed at making life unbearable for them in order to encourage further emigration of the Serbian population from this part of southern Serbia. It is highly telling that Kurti’s administration chose to take such action at a time when the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, is visiting the region – an open act of defiance toward the European Union and its efforts to reinvigorate the normalization process between Belgrade and Pristina. This sends the clearest possible message to Brussels that Pristina has no regard for EU values and no desire to be part of a shared process to resolve the problems in Kosovo and Metohija,” Djuric stated.

The minister also reminded that the issue of managing public utility services is part of the agreement on the Community of Serb Municipalities, whose formation Pristina has been obstructing for twelve years.